English as a Second Language and Citizenship

The English as a Second Language program assists individuals who need to improve their English skills for academic, professional, or personal purposes. Classes in Citizenship/Naturalization Preparation are also available.

ESL classes are designed for all non-native English speaking adults. Classes are held at a variety of sites within our district in communities such as: Bolingbrook, Morris, Romeoville, Plainfield and Joliet. To accommodate our students, classes are held in the morning, evenings and on Saturdays. Six levels of instruction (beginning through advanced) are offered. Students are placed according to levels via standardized testing. Instruction is offered 4-12 hours per week. Integrated skill modules focus on listening, speaking/pronunciation, reading/vocabulary, and writing/grammar. Instruction is sequenced to develop communication skills necessary to meet basic, intermediate, and advance levels of English acquisition.

ESL Program Objectives

Advance through six levels of structured English classes.

Listen to spoken English and understand the meaning.

Speak and respond appropriately in English.

Read and comprehend materials written in English.

Write in clear, concise, acceptable, English.

ESL Class Levels

Beginning ESL (Levels 1 and 2)
ESL Literacy helps adult community members whose primary language is not English to speak, understand, read, and write English for everyday use. Students who successfully complete Beginning ESL most often transition to Intermediate ESL coursework.

Intermediate ESL (Levels 3 and 4)
Designed to assist adults whose native language is not English, but who have basic English reading and writing skills to advance in education, training, employment, and/or community involvement. Students who successfully complete Intermediate ESL most often transition to Advanced ESL coursework.

Advanced ESL (Levels 5 and 6)
Designed to assist adults whose native language is not English, but who have English reading and writing skills below the high school level to advance in education, training, employment, and/or community involvement. Students who successfully complete Advanced ESL most often transition to Adult Basic Skills classes with reading and writing levels at approximately 6th grade. The student's goal may be to transition to higher education GED, or career training after completion of the Basic Skills course.

Citizenship Training

These classes are designed for non-native English speakers who are interested in becoming United States citizens. Adult learners are taught U.S. History, Civics, the U.S. Constitution and the N400 application. Students also receive instruction on how to answer oral questions, how to pass the written test and participate in mock interviews. Citizenship classes and materials are free to district residents.

Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education

The English Literacy and Civics Project provides an integrated program of services that incorporates English Literacy and civics education to help immigrants and other limited English proficient populations to effectively participate in the education, work, and civic opportunities of the United States of America.